Halloween is one of the most popular holidays for children and adults alike.

Going door to door in search of candy can be very exciting, but it can also pose potential hazards. Whether you partake in the festivities by trick-or-treating or by handing out goodies to all the eager ghosts, ghouls and goblins, you play an important part in facilitating their fun filled night.   The Red Cross has several tips for parents to keep in mind that will help alleviate some of the stress this Halloween:

• Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.
  • Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard
    to see.   
  • Give kids a flashlight to light their way.   
  • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags
  • Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.

• Use flame-resistant costumes
• Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance
  • Make sure adults know where their children are going.
  • A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door in neighborhoods.
• Walk, don’t run. It’s very easy for a goblin to trip over things that go bump in the night!
• Only visit homes that have a porch light on.
• Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

• Stay on the sidewalks, not in the street.  
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.  
•  Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.   
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.   
• Don’t cross between parked cars.   
• Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.
• Make sure a grown up checks the goodies before eating them.
  Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
• Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with. 

For those of you planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:

• Light the area well so young visitors can see.
• Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
• Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.